SHARING EMMA [18+]

8. Heard of That

|RYKER|

I sat in the corner of the cafe, my laptop open in front of me, lines of code filling the screen. I took a sip of my coffee and let out a contented sigh. This was my happy place - the hum of the coffee machine, the chatter of the customers, and the soft murmur of background music. It was the perfect environment to focus on my software development work.

I walked out of the meeting with Victor feeling like a million bucks. The presentation had gone well, my software proposal was sound, and I could see the excitement in his eyes as I spoke. I was pretty sure I had impressed the hell out of him. Victor even told me I could expect a call from him within 24 hours to discuss the next steps.

But now, it's been 36 hours, and still, no word from him. I tried to stay positive, but my thoughts were getting too pessimistic for their own good. Did I miss something in the presentation? Did I come across as too eager or not eager enough? Maybe my competition had a better proposal?

The longer the silence lingered, the more my anxiety started to creep in. I wanted this opportunity so badly, not just for the chance to prove myself, but also to show my dad that I was capable on my own. He never explicitly asked me to prove myself, but there was always an unspoken expectation that I would follow in his footsteps and take over the family business.

But I wanted more than just to be a carbon copy of my father. I wanted to create something unique, something that was mine. And this software proposal was my chance to do just that.

The need to prove myself was growing stronger and stronger every day. I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. I pulled out my phone and checked my email for the hundredth time, hoping to see an email from Victor. But there was nothing.

Taking a deep breath, I took a long sip of my coffee, hoping to shake off the negative thoughts that had been clouding my mind. I couldn't afford to let my doubts and fears consume me, not when so much was at stake. I had worked tirelessly on my software, pouring all my energy and passion into it, and the thought of it not being enough was almost too much to bear.

As I contemplated my next move, I sensed a presence near my table and looked up with a furrowed brow.

To my surprise, it was her.

The girl from yesterday who spoiled my shirt with her coffee.

As I was about to open my mouth to speak, she beat me to it. "I've been reflecting on what happened," she stated, her plump and pink lips moving like silk. "And I believe we got off on the wrong foot." Her expression revealed that she was genuinely concerned about it.

I scoffed, leaning back in my chair and crossing my arms over my chest. "I don't recall us starting anything at all," I responded with a hint of humor in my tone. What? I was no longer in a rush like the last time we met, and I was in a good mood. I was absolutely capable of having a pleasant conversation without feeling the need to explode.

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise, and she tilted her head to the side. "I guess whatever you had to attend to last time must have gone well," she guessed, and I couldn't help but acknowledge her sharp intuition.

"More or less," I replied nonchalantly, shrugging my shoulders.

"So, you're no longer holding a grudge against me?" She eyed me playfully.

"I don't think I ever held a grudge against you. I barely know you," although I couldn't help but feel as if I should.

Before I could second-guess myself, I leaned forward, placing my hands on either side of my laptop. "Why don't you join me?" I offered, gesturing towards the empty seat across from me. "Maybe I should get to know you a little better before I decide if you're worth my time or not."